Downland has announced the appointment of a new franchisee, Midland Dairy Chemicals, who will be distributing Downland solutions and covering an area from Staffordshire down to Leicester.

Sophie Smith, Downland chief executive, said: “Downland products have been recognised for over 40 years for their performance and reliability, and it is fantastic that these products are now available to farmers across the Midlands, via our new franchisee Midland Dairy Chemicals.

“At Downland we are committed to developing and growing independent family businesses, many of whom have farming roots, so it is perfect timing at the start of a new year to welcome John Garlick and his family into the Downland network.”

Midland Dairy Chemicals is a family-run business which was set up in 2021 by Mr Garlick. With over 12 years of experience in the industry, Mr Garlick set up the company with the aim of providing a more local and comprehensive service to the farming industry in the Midlands. The business has grown to consist of a team of eight, and 2025 is set to be an exciting year with plans to build a purpose-built country store on their farm premises.

Mr Garlick said: “We are really looking forward to our future as part of the Downland network, and we see this as a new lease of life for Midland Dairy Chemicals as our family-run business continues to grow, helping us to support farmers in the Midlands.”